Mr. Luke Northman gazes at his reflection in the mirror, adjusting his tie with precision. His tightly packed schedule barely allows him a moment to spare, even for accompanying his wife, Nina Northman, to her art exhibition. Nina, a successful artist and proprietor of a thriving art company, holds a prominent position within Zaina City's flourishing artistic community. Niagra, their home country, boasts a rich cultural heritage, and a robust economy, and is home to some of the world's most influential families. The Northman family, renowned for their ownership of Niagra's largest media conglomerate and premier hotel in the capital, Zaina City, occupies a position of eminence within the nation. Nina epitomizes the qualities of a devoted spouse, embodying goodness, innocence, beauty, and elegance. She venerates her husband openly, extolling the virtues of their union to all who will listen. Raised in a privileged household, Nina's familial ties to the construction industry further solidify the Northmans' influence, aligning them with the most formidable business interests in the country.
Standing nearby, Mr. Northman's secretary, Nelson, holds his diary and files, a stalwart aide in the meticulous orchestration of his boss's affairs. Despite the pressures of the role, Nelson finds solace in his duties, appreciating the structured nature of Mr. Northman's directives. His own life, fraught with the consequences of professional dedication, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to navigate success...
"Please contact the marketing manager and confirm the readiness for the presentation. Time is of the essence," Mr. Northman directs. With swift precision, Nelson reaches out to Samson, the marketing manager, knowing full well the consequences of any delay in communication.
"Are you ready for the presentation because the chairman is on his way"
"yes sir" Samson responded from the other side of the phone.
"good". He ends the call.
"Are preparations for the presentation in order?" Mr. Northman inquires upon receiving confirmation from Samson.
"Yes, sir," comes the prompt reply.
"Excellent," Mr. Northman acknowledges. "Let us proceed. What lies on the agenda next?"
"You have a meeting scheduled with Senator Oscar Fredman to discuss his forthcoming political campaign," Nelson informs.
"Very well. Let us expedite matters. And remind me to send a bouquet to my wife's exhibition venue; though I may be unable to attend, a gesture of support is warranted," Mr. Northman adds.
"Of course, sir. I will ensure it is attended to promptly."
Exiting the confines of his hotel room, Mr. Northman is met with the deferential acknowledgment of his staff, a customary display of respect for his esteemed position. As he strides purposefully towards his waiting vehicle, the gravity of his responsibilities remains ever-present.
Meanwhile, Nina, ensconced within her studio, exudes a radiant presence as she oversees the final preparations for her exhibition. With meticulous care, she arranges her artwork, each piece a testament to her passion and creativity. Despite the unavoidable absence of her husband, Nina's resolve remains unwavering, fueled by her unwavering dedication to her craft and her family.
"We must hasten before the guests arrive," Nina instructs.
"Yes, ma'am," Lizzy acknowledges promptly. As the senior staff member and manager, Lizzy leads the team in carefully transporting and hanging the artworks at the exhibition venue. While they could have completed some preparations earlier, Nina's concern for freshness and perfection drives them to work swiftly. Rushing down the hallway to the exhibition venue, they maintain a sense of urgency.
The exhibition space is spacious and exquisitely adorned, a reflection of Nina's understanding of her clientele's discerning tastes. With meticulous attention to detail, she ensures that every aspect of the venue exudes luxury and sophistication. Amidst the hustle and bustle of preparations, Nina's phone interrupts with the familiar ringtone signaling her husband's call.
"hi honey, how is it going?" the husband asks from the phone.
"so far, so good. We are hanging the paintings now and the exhibition will soon commence",
"you sound exhausted already. Do you need extra hands? I can send some stuff over to assist you "
"No, don't worry, everything is moving fine. Have you gone for your meeting?"
"Which one?"
"Senator Oscar"
"Oh, I will go for that one once I finish this meeting. I won't waste time here"
"where?
"I am meeting with the marketing manager about the advertisement project, I am about to enter inside. I will call you later honey. Don't stress yourself. I love you",
She chuckles shyly "I love you too". The call ends. She hugged her phone tightly as she smiled, her face had already turned red and it was obvious that she had spoken with her dear husband.
"Madam, the guests are coming".
She swiftly regains her composure and proceeds to greet the first guest, none other than the wife of the Chairman of the YouCare Foundation, accompanied by her daughter. Their enduring friendship spans decades, admired by many for its depth and longevity.
"Welcome, Ms. Charity. We are delighted to have you," Nina warmly greets them.
"Thank you. This is my daughter; she returned from America just two days ago," Charity introduces.
Nina's face lights up with genuine delight. "Oh, you have grown up so much! I almost didn't recognize you."
"Thank you, ma'am. I've heard so many wonderful things about you from my mom," the daughter responds.
Curiosity piqued, Nina inquires, "What has your mom been saying?"
Charity interjects with a playful smile, "That's confidential. But I do need plenty of artwork from you."
Nina's warm chuckle resonates through the air. "Of course, please come in." With a graceful gesture, she ushers them inside before seamlessly transitioning back to greeting her other guests.
As Nina busily guides her guests through the exhibition, elucidating the nuances of her artwork, her attention is suddenly arrested by the presence of someone she thought had vanished from her life. Excusing herself from her current conversation, she approaches the unexpected visitor.
"Hello, Nina," the visitor greets.
"Felicia, what are you doing here?" Nina's tone betrays a hint of agitation. Felicia, the daughter of Mr. Krush Switze, owner of Swize Media Company, represents a fraught history for Nina. Their friendship was ruptured when Nina's relationship with Felicia's fiancé, Luke, resulted in a bitter rivalry between their families.
"Nice to see you too. Enjoying your marriage?" Felicia's words carry a subtle edge.
"You shouldn't be here, Felicia. Please leave," Nina implores.
"Why? I came to purchase some artwork," Felicia retorts.
"This isn't the appropriate place. Please, I don't want to cause a scene," Nina urges.
"Very well," Felicia concedes, her tone laced with veiled threat. "Consider this a warning, Nina. I'm back, so watch your back, honey."
Nina's grip tightens imperceptibly as Felicia departs, leaving behind a lingering tension. Under her breath, Nina mutters a curse before composing herself and returning to her exhibition duties.
"Was that Felicia?" Charity whispers, her voice tinged with disbelief. "I thought she was gone."
Nina nods, a troubled expression clouding her features. "So did I. I wonder what she's up to."
"What if she causes trouble for your husband? After all, they were once engaged," Charity suggests, concern evident in her voice.
"She wouldn't dare. You know what I'm capable of," Nina responds with steely resolve.
"Let's hope so," Charity murmurs, her gaze fixed on Felicia's departing figure.
Luke sits in a meeting with the marketing manager, Jimmy, discussing strategies to promote TK Cosmetics' latest product. Jimmy, a graduate with a first-class degree in marketing from a reputable university, owes his education to the YouCare Foundation, a fact that Luke acknowledges with gratitude. Jimmy's recommendation to Luke for employment further underscores the impact of the foundation's support. Despite his humble background, Jimmy's intelligence and diligence have propelled him to excel in his role, though his penchant for women occasionally presents challenges, skillfully managed due to his adeptness.
"We need to leverage a popular female celebrity with a flawless complexion to endorse this product. Additionally, we should allocate funds to engage social media influencers to amplify our message across all platforms. Furthermore, assembling a team of reviewers to tout the product's efficacy on various platforms is crucial," Jimmy articulates confidently, assured of Luke's trust in his capabilities.
Luke considers the proposal thoughtfully. "This plan sounds promising, Jimmy. What budget are we looking at?"
"We're estimating a budget of 4 billion Ta'als," Jimmy responds, citing their local currency equivalent to US dollars.
Luke's brow furrows slightly. "That seems excessive. Can we explore cost-cutting measures?"
"We've explored alternatives, but unfortunately, Tasha's agency charges exorbitant fees. However, we have identified other potential celebrity endorsers and influencers," Jimmy explains.
"If Tasha is beyond our budget, perhaps we should consider other celebrities," Luke suggests, seeking a more economical solution.
"We have alternatives, but Tasha boasts a pristine reputation and an unparalleled fan base. Engaging her would undoubtedly yield a positive outcome," Jimmy asserts confidently.
"I trust your judgment, Jimmy. Draft a proposal for TK Cosmetics outlining the fee and our readiness to proceed," Luke instructs.
"Yes, sir," Jimmy acknowledges promptly.
"I'll be heading out now. Anything else?" Luke inquires.
"No, sir," Jimmy responds.
Exiting the meeting, Luke's mind is momentarily diverted by an unexpected call from Felicia. Picking up, he greets her with surprise.
"Felicia, is that you?" Luke's astonishment is palpable.
"Yes, it's me. Long time no see. How have you been?" Felicia's voice carries a hint of nostalgia.
"Good. But where have you been? You vanished," Luke asks, curiosity piqued.
"I've been occupied with something. Are you free? Can we meet today?" Felicia suggests.
Luke glances at his watch, realizing the constraints of his schedule. "I have a meeting at 3 pm. But I have an hour. Let's meet at the coffee shop on Vrock Street."
"Great, I'm on my way," Felicia confirms.
Luke ends the call and instructs his secretary to drive to the coffee shop. As they set off, he finds himself pondering the mysteries surrounding Felicia's reappearance.
At the Stars Coffee shop on Vrock Street, Felicia gracefully enters, clad in a flowery white dress, Luke had once complimented that dress in the past. Unbeknownst to her, she orders Luke's favorite Espresso as she awaits his arrival, she snaps her picture and sends it to Nina with the caption "Guess who I am meeting?".
Meanwhile, Nina receives Felicia's message, igniting a flurry of unanswered questions and suspicions. Despite her trust in her husband, doubts linger as she resumes her exhibition duties with a forced smile.
As Luke enters the coffee shop, and spots Felicia, a wave of nostalgia washes over him. With a gesture to his secretary to wait in the car, he strides forward to greet her, his mind awash with memories of their past. "Hi Feli"
Felicia gazes up at Luke, struck by his enduring charm and presence. With an exclamation of excitement, she springs up from her seat and embraces Luke warmly.
"How have you been? You look even more handsome than I remember," Felicia exclaims.
"You too, Feli. You're positively radiant. What's your secret?" Luke responds with a grin.
Amidst hearty laughter, they settle into their seats. "It's been over five years since we last saw each other," Luke remarks.
"It's been too long. And how's married life treating you?" Felicia inquires.
"Very well. But enough about me. Where have you been all this time?" Luke shifts the focus to Felicia.
"I've been abroad, taking care of some personal matters," Felicia explains.
"Sounds necessary," Luke acknowledges.
As their conversation progresses, Felicia expresses interest in Luke's business endeavors. "How's your business doing?" she asks.
"We're doing well, despite facing opposition at every turn," Luke replies.
"Opposition is a sign of progress," Felicia remarks sagely.
Impressed by her newfound wisdom, Luke compliments her. "Felicia, you've certainly grown wiser over the years. I'm impressed."
"Thank you, Luke," Felicia responds graciously.
As their meeting draws to a close, Luke rises from his seat. "It's been great catching up. Hopefully, we'll have more time to reconnect in the future," he says.
"Definitely. Are you leaving already?" Felicia queries.
"Yes, I have a meeting to attend at three. Thanks for the coffee," Luke replies, extending his hand for a handshake.
"You're welcome," Felicia responds, rising to shake his hand before he exits. As soon as Luke departs, Felicia wastes no time in sending a message and a photo to Nina, eager to share the moment with her.
Nina, upon receiving the photo, is consumed by anger. She immediately excuses herself and retreats to her studio to confront Luke. With trembling hands, she dials his number, her voice laced with fury.
"Where did you go after your meeting?" she demands.
Confused by her tone, Luke responds, "I met up with an old friend briefly."
"Felicia?" Nina interjects.
"Ah, so you know," Luke acknowledges.
"You told me you couldn't make it to my exhibition, yet you had time for Felicia? What else are you hiding?" Nina's frustration spills over.
Sensing her distress, Luke attempts to reassure her. "Honey, what's wrong? Why are you upset?"
"Promise me you won't see Felicia again. I don't want to worry, especially with our baby on the way," Nina pleads.
"Baby? Are you pregnant?" Luke's surprise is evident.
"Yes, I wanted to tell you when I got home," Nina admits.
Chuckling with delight, Luke promises, "I'll pick you up right after my meeting. I love you, my world."
"I love you too," Nina responds, her voice filled with affection. Nina hangs up, clutching her phone tightly, overwhelmed with love for Luke.
"Madam, you have a delivery," a voice interrupts Nina's thoughts.
"Delivery from whom?" she queries.
"Your husband," comes the response.
"Okay." Nina accepts the bouquet of roses from the delivery person, her heart swelling with affection. She reads the attached note: "Sorry I couldn't make it, I love you." Smiling, she thanks the delivery person and places the roses in a nearby flower pot. "My husband is the best," she murmurs fondly.
As Nina basks in the sweetness of the moment, her phone rings. Anticipating a call from the supplier for the nightly delivery of bush meat—an essential for Luke—she answers promptly.
"Hello, ma," the voice on the other end greets Nina.
"Hello, do you have the meat?" Nina inquires.
"Yes, the meat is with me now," comes the reply.
"Alright, thank you. I'll provide the cash upon delivery," Nina confirms.
"Yes, ma." With that, Nina ends the call, satisfied that everything is in order. Checking the time, she realizes it's already ten minutes past 3 pm. She must begin wrapping up her exhibition soon, as Luke will need to eat and prepare for his transition under the full moon. Rushing to the exhibition venue, Nina focuses on selling the last remaining artworks. With only three pieces left, she knows she must act quickly to ensure she's home before Luke's return.
Mr. Northman impresses his client as the meeting progresses smoothly, his joy evident and infectious. Senator Fredman expresses satisfaction with Mr. Northman's ideas and strategies for promoting his campaign, showing willingness to pay any necessary charges. With a clink of glasses, they toast to the success of the campaign, sharing a celebratory moment. As Senator Fredman bids farewell and departs in his car, Mr. Northman watches appreciatively before turning to head home, satisfied with the outcome of the meeting.
Entering his car with his secretary, Mr. Northman directs the driver to drop off the secretary before heading home. Aware of the time, he checks his watch—it's already 5:14 pm, and he must be home promptly, he had already forgotten his promise to pick his wife, well, its not unusual for him to forget and his wife knows. The driver follows instructions, dropping off the secretary before proceeding to Mr. Northman's residence.
Situated on a vast five-hectare estate, the Northman mansion stands as one of the largest residences in the area, second only to the government house. Separate quarters house the staff, who are required to adhere strictly to closing hours and maintain confidentiality under a non-disclosure agreement. Mrs. Northman is vigilant in enforcing these rules, monitoring the premises via CCTV to ensure compliance.
Finally home, Mr. Northman relaxes on his sitting room sofa as his wife attends to his inner room—a space strictly reserved for him and off-limits to staff. The room's windowless interior features sturdy chains mounted securely to the walls, a grim reminder of a tragic incident involving the man who installed them. Despite rumors suggesting foul play, authorities concluded it was a clear case of suicide prompted by financial distress and marital strife, obviously, Nina's used her funds to close the case.
Interrupting his solitude, Mr. Northman's phone rings—it's his father-in-law calling, likely to discuss their earlier conversation regarding a construction contract from Senator Fredman's office. With a sigh, Mr. Northman answers the call, ready to address any further business matters. "Hello Sir", he greets,
'Yes, Luke, how are you?"
"I am fine sir, how are you and my mother-in-law?"
"We are fine, how is our daughter?"
"she is fine sir, should I call her?"
"No, that is not necessary. You know why I am calling?"
"Yes. I spoke with him about it, he assured me that he would do it"
" Alright. Is there any need to remind him?"
"Not really but I will remind him again",
"Thank you, Luke, if possible, I will like to meet him personally, if that is alright with you",
"It's fine. I will set up a meeting between the two of you"
"Thank you, Luke. Greet Nina for me, tell her to call her father",
"I will sir",
"Bye". The call ends. Mr. Northman gasps and walks to the dining table to eat. "Night of terror is here again", he murmurs tiredly. He sits down in the dining and quietly eats his food.
Soon after, Mr. Northman finds himself dozing off in his chair, fatigue taking over. He startles awake as Nina gently taps him. "It is time," she whispers, prompting him to check the time. "Oh, it's 9 pm already," he realizes, jumping up and heading straight for a shower to freshen up before retiring to his inner room. As he enters the bedroom, the doorbell rings—it's the meat delivery person.
"It's the delivery person," Nina announces as Mr. Northman disappears into his bedroom.
Nina leads the delivery person to the storage at the back of the mansion, where she offers him a drink as he unpacks the contents of the large bag. "This is fresh antelope caught this afternoon, and it goes for 700 Ta'als. These are squirrel possums, they go for 500 Ta'als each," he explains.
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"Why are they this expensive?" Nina interrupted.
"Because they are illegal meat and difficult to catch," the delivery person explained.
"Okay."
"That is all madam, I need to start moving."
"Why are you in a hurry? Wait a little," Nina insisted.
"I think I feel...…." He slumped on the storage table, the glass falling from his hand and smashing on the ground. Luckily, the storage walls were soundproof, and behind it lay Nina's underground chamber. Nobody knew of its existence as Nina did an excellent job of hiding it. She dragged the delivery person out of the storage and down to the underground secret basement, then to the secret room. Inside, a blood-stained butcher wooden table awaited, where she prepared the bush meat for her husband. Neatly placed at the end of the table were three big butcher knives. Behind it stood a deep freezer where she stored all remaining meat, including skulls and skins. Atop the freezer lay an old Resisto radio, providing background music for her grisly task.
Whistling happily, she selected a cassette and finally settled on "Stan" by Eminem. With a knife in hand, she began the gruesome task of cutting the delivery person. Carefully removing the skin and placing it aside, she then put the skull in the freezer as a trophy. The bones went into a grinder, turning to powder, which she used as manure for her plants. Checking the time, she noted it was already 11:30 pm, almost time to feed her husband. Hastily cutting the other meats and mixing them with the skin, she placed them in a bowl and hurried out of the secret basement, locking it behind her.
Rushing to her husband's secret chamber, she found him chained to the wall, a big white wolf glaring at her aggressively. Mr. Northman's lineage had been cursed in 1900 by a witch. Legend had it that they were notable witch hunters, they kill and burn witches. On one of their strides, they heard about a good witch who had been using her witcraft to heal people. However, despite the pleas of the people not to kill the witch because the witch was good to them, they aggressively tied the witch to a stake and burnt the witch. At the dying moment, the witch cursed the linage and the curse was that they would turn to wolf at every full moon and only a life can end the curse.. Dropping the meat in front of the white hairy wolf tied with a chain on both hands, Nina quickly locked the chamber and returned to her room to shower, accustomed to sleeping through the howling.
As she prepared to sleep, the doorbell rang. Answering cautiously, she heard Sandra, the wife of the delivery person, waiting for her husband. Frozen with fear, Nina realized she had not anticipated his arrival with someone else. What would she do now? Nina was visibly shaken